This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Plaggha are a 1 man band from Spain that plays an ambient form of occult black metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "XI" which was released by Negra Nit Distro.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown into the music, while the synths bring a very occult, atmospheric and dark ambient sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding in the classic black metal tradition with some dark sounding melodies being thrown into the music at times in addition a couple of the songs are long and epic in length and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly pitched black metal screams mixed in with a brief use of deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover Death Worship, Occultism, and Necromancy, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Plaggha are a very great sounding dark, raw and primitive occult/ambient black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Invoking The Eleven Dead Names" and "Annihilation Of The Pillars Of Creation". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Dark Paranoia are a band that plays a very depressive from of ambient black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Emptied By Necessary Apathy" which was released by Negra Nit Distro.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats with one song utilizing a drum machine, while the synths bring a very atmospheric and dark ambient sound to the music along with a variety of many different musical keys being utilized, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced depressive black metal riffs that utilize a great amount of dark sounding melodies and doom metal influences as well as a brief use of soft and clean playing ,in addition most of the songs are very long and epic in length, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very melodic and primitive sounding guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are all high pitched depressive black metal screams with some mournful sounding cries being thrown into the music at times, while the lyrics cover death, desperation, loneliness, and misanthropy with most of the lyrics being written in English while there is one written in Latin, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Dark Paranoia are a very great sounding hybrid of dark ambient and depressive black metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check this band out. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Vitae Taedet" "Emptied By Necessary Apathy" and "Walker Of Dissonant Worlds" which is an Xasthur cover. RECOMMENDED BUY.

Terdor are a band from the Netherlands that plays a very dark, raw and primitive form of avant garde black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Levi" which was released by Negra Nit Distro.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the pianos and cellos bring an experimental/avant garde sound to the music, as for the bass playing it is all done on an 8 string bass and has a very strong and powerful sound with progressive riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive black metal riffs mixed in with alot of progressive and avant garde influences along with some dark sounding melodies to create a sound of their own along with a mixture of 6 and 7 string guitars, while the lead guitars are very melodic, experimental, psychedelic and progressive sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the classical guitars when they utilized use full chords and finger picking to add more original elements to the music with a couple of the songs being very long and epic in length.

Vocals are all hateful and grim sounding black metal screams as well as some deep demonic growls, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Anti Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Anti American and racist themes as well as war and destruction to mankind, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Terdor are a very great and original sounding avant garde, raw and primitive black metal band and if you are looking for something that is very original, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Levi" and "Hail To My People". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Dawn Ov Hate are a band from Spain that plays a very raw, heavy, fast and primitive form of blasphemic black metal and this is a review of their 2010 album "Death D'hivern" which was released by Negra Nit Distro.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal blast beats being thrown into the music, while the synths when they are utilized bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music without being a lead instument, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very heavy, raw and primitive sounding along with some dark sounding melodies being thrown into the riffing while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very dark and melodic sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals range from high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams along with some deep demonic growls and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Occultism, Darkness and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very heavy and powerful sound while not taking away from the raw and primitive nature of the music.

In my opinion Dawn Ov Hate are a very great sounding Blasphemic fast, raw and primitive sounding black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Apokalypse 666" "Death-Exekution Kommando" and "Broken Wings For The God's Bitch". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Bestial Holocaust are a band from Bolivia that plays a mixture of war, black, death, and thrash metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Into The Goat Vulva" which was released by Metalhit.com.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive riffs that combine elements of war, black, death and thrash metal together to create a sound of their own along with some dark melodic parts being thrown into the riffing at times, while the lead guitars when they are utilized are very dark, melodic and primitive guitar solos and leads.

Vocals range from high pitched black metal screams, deep death metal growls and German thrash style screams, while the lyrics are written in Spanish and cover Demonology, Occultism, Satanism and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Bestial Holocaust are a very great sounding raw and primitive hybrid of war, black, death and thrash metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Eterna Posession" Virgin Lust" and "Sacrificio". RECOMMENDED BUY.

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

P. For the time being Pandemonium is in the middle of promotion actions for its new album – we’re giving gigs all over the country. The album is pretty fresh, but it’s already gained some high notes among music critics. Pagan Records and Godz Ov War Productions keep promoting the album outside the country.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

P. We think that Misanthropy is a complete album – essentially perfect, powerful, possessed, real. These are only some of its qualities. I could talk about it for ages, but you should really listen to it for yourself and make your opinion. Misanthropy is an incredible feast for your senses.

3. I have seen the band label their music as being satanic dark metal, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

P. That’s the term we invented to describe our style, which we developed our whole lives. It’s a recognizable, characteristic and unique style. We experiment with it very often, but it’s always ours.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics the band explores with the new release?

P. The lyrics regard a very delicate, metaphysical substance. We call spade a spade, and we create ideal collages of those names with music. The title of the album may suggest what the lyrics are about. We hope you will learn something from it and come to your own conclusions.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

P. Pandemonium was born to express everything that ever inspired me, lured me and liberated me.

6. The band has a history that goes back more than 20 years, what is it that motivated you to keep going after all these days?

P. I think we had a mission to accomplish. And that mission still lasts. Sometimes I feel like some invisible power is guiding us. Most likely it gives us energy to go on.

7. I have read that the band once changed its name to Domain, what was the reason behind the name change and why did you decide to go back to your old name?

P. The reason of that was a conflict between me and our ex-drummer, but everything is clear now. To be able to still make music, I had to change the name of the band to Domain. Back then we were like savages – we couldn’t talk to each other like normal, civilized people. Luckily, those times of anarchy in the band are long gone.

8. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

P. I believe we always give good, decent gigs. Regardless the time, place or attendance. What counts is a good atmosphere. The most interesting gigs we gave must have been those with Vader, Behemoth, Hate, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Morbid Angel, Samael. We mostly play small concert, but in relation to ambience they are never inferior to those big ones.

9. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

P. The promotion tour was divided into two parts – spring and fall ones. Spring part is already over. We give concerts on weekends, which is more comfortable for us and for the fans.

10. Currently you are signed to Pagan Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they given you so far?

P. We were introduced to Pagan by our manager Greg, who owns Godz Ov War Productions. We think that the band, as well as the material for the album, fit Pagan Record’s philosophy perfectly. The promotion that Pagan provides together with Godz Ov War Productions are more than satisfactory for us.

11. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of underground metal?

P. Now, the main determinant for us are reviews in metal portals and zines. They are mainly very positive and show that Misanthropy got a feedback we expected.

12. Are there any other side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

P. We wouldn’t have time nor energy to make other projects. We focus on Pandemonium, although occasionally we take part in some bands we are in friendly terms with.

13. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

P. Surely, we will not chase the latest fashions and trends. We know where we’re heading, ideas will come to us. I think that we will not go away far from the Misanthropy climate.

14. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

P. Actually we listen not only to metal. And it’s not only metal that influences our works. In the past it was mainly bands like Samael and Bathory that inspired us.

15. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

P. I treat those concepts as a symbolic representation of human’s dark side of nature, as a representation of a rebel and resistance against hypocrisy.

16. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

P. I’m a huge fan of an active fishing, I like good movies and I work as a graphic designer.

17. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

P. We invite you to listen to Misanthropy. Hail to all of you maniacs!

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

“We just released our first full-length album through Massacre Records, so we are quite anxious to see how that will turn out. Also we are playing a couple of shows around Finland.”

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it

differs from the older material?

“For some reason some people try to present us as Avantgarde Black Metal, but in my opinion that doesn’t really fit. We are more of a straight forward Black Metal band with a lot of Death metal influences. You can also probably detect lots of other influences from the Metal and Rock scene.

Actually five of the songs on this album are re-recorded versions from the past two EP:s we did. And two of them are some of the first songs we ever wrote. The Iniquity Descent is still a fairly new band.”

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores

with the new release?

“I tend to write lyrics in a very personal way. I write about what I see, have seen and experienced. Some of it has references to religion, some to soulsearch, some simply to how people around you act and things they do. I grew up in a very religious area of Finland where there are lots of different churches and “cults”, if you may, which has given me lots of fuel for writing what I write today.”

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

“We as a band are a group of people that has been through a lot together and many of us have known each other for 25 years already. As I said before we grew up in a strict religious area and have been splinters in the eyes of many because of the way we dress, think and behave. So in their eyes we have been “the iniquity descent”, the descendants of immorality, to put it easier.”

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and

how would you describe your stage performance?

“We had a really cool album release gig here in Helsinki a little while ago. We also did some really nice shows last year in Russia.

Even though we like to call ourselves a Black Metal band we don’t look like one on stage. Wev don’t dress up in leather and spikes, covered in corpse paint. We like it toned down a bit, but still put on an energetic show.”

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

“We have some shows in Finland planned right now and we were talking about a short European tour, but it seems that is not gonna happen now. We are really interested in touring a bit outside Finland and we are open to suggestions!”

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans

of black metal?

“It’s been pretty good. I’ve read a bunch of our reviews and they have been surprisingly good. 7,5 or eight out of ten is a pretty good average for a first album in my opinion.”

8. What is going on with the other band projects these days?

“There’s lots of things going on there. Finntroll can probably not be called a project anymore. Hehehe, but Finntroll is probably gonna enter the studio this year and also Chthonian has been thinking about doing something new. Magenta Harvest is also taking steps forward with the writing process and concerts. Not much free time for us!”

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

“I guess we will always stick to the same principle of being a groovy, straight forward Black Metal band. The thing that we are gonna focus on now is to be more varied and give the songs a bit more details.”

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

“We all grew up in the 80s (except Philip) and we all listened to different kinds of metal as kids, so I guess that has had some kind of impact on us. A weird fact is that Mikeal who wrote every riff on this album don’t listen to any music at all. He only writes the kind of music he would like to hear himself.”

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

“Oh, that’s quite a broad area. I guess it would be anything from home renovating and fishing to swimming and golfing. Hahaha!”

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

“Thanks for reading this and don’t be shy to harass your local promoter to get The Iniquity Descent to play at your local club!”

Sunday, May 27, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

K: The band was formed at the end of 2010 by K/voice, guitars/(ex - Abnormal Inhumane, ex - Lykauges) and J/drums/(Dodsferd, Nadiwrath). We just released an album called Sclerosis. I compose all the music and I write all the words. We play black metal.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

K: Our style is fast black metal influenced by the American phase mixed with crust and death/grind elements.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

K: Our lyrics speaks about chaos, anarchy and anti-christian topics.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

K: The name consists of three words that are joined (plague, end, graves), there is no specific meaning behind it.

5. Has the band been able to play out live, or is this strictly a studio project?

K: In some point we will definitely play live. We believe that our music is suitable for live performance.

6. According to the bandcamp page, the band does not like to be on social networks, how do you feel this adds to the mystique of the bans?

K: Black metal is not a social type of music so we don't care about making friends or find chicks through what we do. On the other hand, social networking is a trend followed by most bands for promotion. We like to play music and nothing more. We are not ''pros'', performing music is a hobby for us and certainly not a priority. Even the profile found in the reverb nation and the add to bandcamp is not under our control. This is label's job, we have no involvement in this.

7. On the album there where some guest musicians, how did you get in contact with them and where you satisfied with the results?

K: It`s a fucking great honour Wrath participating in the album, as Dodsferd is my favourite band. J is playing in both bands (Dodsferd/Nadiwrath) so he made contact with Wrath and Nadir for the purpose of participating in the album as guests.

8. The new album came out on Domestic Genocide, how did you get in contact with them and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

K: We just send them an e-mail to listen to our album. It's more sure cooperating with an american label, the guys are fine and they are more organized than the european labels.

9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

K: There is no new material for a future release. We will focus on perfoming live.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

K: We are influenced mainly by the U.S scene of Black Metal. You know, bands like Judas Iscariot, Leviathan, Krallice, Woe, Krieg, Deafheaven, Ice and more. Dodsferd of course is a huge influence. I also like crust bands with d-beat like Tragedy, Catharsis, Trap Them and bands like Rotten Sound or Pig Destroyer.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

K: Outside of music, I like chilling at home, listening music loudly. There`s also a fucking day job, so there`s not enough time for anything else.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

K: Thanks a lot for the interview and the opportunity to say some things! Support the underground and smoke weed everyday!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

The Iniquity Descent are a band from Finland that plays a very heavy and brutal form of black metal with some death metal and avant garde influences and this is a review of their 2012 album "The Human Apheresis" which was released by Massacre Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful sound with riffs that dominate throughout the recording, as for the sound effects when they are utilized they bring an experimental feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very heavy and brutal sounding with a good amount of death metal, rock and avant garde influences being thrown into the riffing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals range from high pitched black metal screams to blackened death metal growls as well as a brief use of samples, while the lyrics cover hateful and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion The Iniquity Descent are a very good sounding black metal band with a rock music, death metal and avant garde edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "In Prostation" "The Human Apheresis" "Believers In The Apotheosis" and "Infected". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Forefather are a band from the U.K that has been interviewed before by this zine which labels their music Anglo Saxon Pagan Metal which takes influences from viking, black and traditional metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Last Of The Line" which was released by Metalhit.com.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring an atmospheric sound to the music

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Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine influences from viking, black and traditional metal moving even more further away from the more black metal sound of the earlier albums as well as having a great amount of melody being thrown into the riffing, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to add a progressive feeling to the music.

Vocals range from clean singing viking metal vocals and some black metal screams and growls as well as a brief spoken word part being utilized on one song, while the lyrics cover Anglo Saxon Paganism, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound to it where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion this is another great recording from Forefather and if you enjoy their most recent material, you should enjoy this one as well. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Chorus Of Steel" "Wolves Of Prayer" "Shadows Of The Dead" and "The Downfallen". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Qafas are a band from Bahrain that started out as a funeral doom metal band but evolved into an ambient black metal band with this release and this is a review of their 201 ep "Kafkaesque Retribution" which was released by Rigorism Productions.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and blast beats, while the synths bring a very atmospheric and dark ambient sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast depressive black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with some melodic parts being thrown into the riffing and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and distorted sounding depressive black metal screams with some spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover the philosophy of Kaftka a German philosopher and writer, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Qafas are a very great sounding ambient black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this ep. RECCOMMENDED BUY.

1.Can you tell us a little bit about the project for those that have never heard of you before?

I created Mortis Mutilati on March 2011 after writing a few songs that I recorded thereafter on a little demo limited to 50 hand numbered copies. After having recording the whole album – I think between March and May 2011 – Naturmacht Productions produced it on pro tape edition.

2.How would you describe your musical sound?

I tried to do something musically elegant keeping a rather dirty sound which better relfect the hateful aspect of the music.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Mortis Mutilati is based on hate, murder and suicide. Each text is a personnel settling of scores.

4.I know that the band name is a greek term for a curse tablet, what was that interested you about this name to name a project after that?

I always been fascinated by torture. Mortis Mutilati means “death by mutilation“ which is a particulary painful kind of torture praticed in China. I was not reffering tot he greek curse tablet when I choose that name form y project.

5.Currently there is only one member in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you choose to remain solo?

Mortis Mutilati is a personal one man band so I will ALWAYS be the only official member. If some musicians have to play in Mortis Mutilati, they’ll only be session musician and they know it.

6.The new release came out on cassette, what is your opinions on that classic format and do you prefer to the modern formats such as mp3, rar or zip's?

Yeah I love the tape format. It has a charm for me. Mp3, zip etc are easy to share the music but you can’t have the pleasure to get the object on you hands, you can’t look at the artwork etc… That’s too bad.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of black metal and dark ambient?

I’m glad because the feedbacks were all quiet good. Of course it’s not perfect but I get some goods feed back. Hope that it will be even more better fort he forthcoming album.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

I just returned from the Moonreich tour which consisted of 5 shows in France. Our new EP Curse Them is now out on mp3 format. I’m writing songs with Septentrion and we are searching for gigs.

I’ll tack back the recording with Procession Of Death during May/June with my friend Spont (hails!!)

Our project was on stand by since one year because of Spont’s studies.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I just finished writing the second album and I think it will be quiet different from Sombre Neurasthénie. In fact it will be more depressive but more energetic at the same time.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I had been very influenced by Burzum (I mean the Filosofem album) and some band as Sterbend or Nyktalgia. Nowadays, I’m a great fan of Austere but at the moment, I mainly listen to Raw BM bands as Taake, Ad Hominem, Voqkrre, Marduk etc etc

11. How would you describe your views on Occultism and Paganism?

Paganism and occultism have nothing to do with Mortis Mutilati.

12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?

I read a lot. My favorites writers are Stephen King and Edgar A. Poe. I also use to drinkred wine and beer while listening Black n Rolls bands with some good musician friends.

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the project these days?

Reloading all weapons & preparing for the second demo/E.P. assault. Nearly 2 tracks down, one of which titled- 'Once upon a time in Europa' will be uploaded in the coming days.

2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the demo?

Triumphant Black War Metal. I aim to write music that is uplifting & victorious in sound, giving the conquering 'you can run but you can't hide' kind of feeling. Unlike some Black Metal with a 'negative' or suicidal atmosphere, AK-11 is about killing your opponent rather then yourself. The War Gods have been summoned...

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the new release?

Man is a warrior by nature & as humans we will always want to kill & conquer one another. So, inspired by the great battles of past & present, the lyrics are about a violent & diabolical war journey- where the enemies of the 'Left Hand Path' are relentlessly hunted down & massacred without mercy. It's about eradicating alien dogma & all slaves of organized religion from your homeland, by any means necessary.

4. I have noticed some of the lyrics where written in Russia, what is it that interests about this language to write songs in it?

I have Russian roots. Apart from its vast, harsh landscape & climate, Russia has a brutal history. So I find it's a fitting language to sing in this aggressive style of Black Metal music, (especially after some shots of vodka).

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the projects name?

The AK-11 name stands for Avtomat Kalashnikov-11. I wanted a project named after a weapon & after many different options ie (names of bayonets, tanks, Neutron bombs), I went with the Russian AK-47 assault rifle. The project began in April 2011-hence the 11.

6. Currently there is only 1 member, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you choose to remain solo?

You know, I like being in charge & enjoy working solo. I always agree with myself & never argue. But sometime in the future when I wish to perform in front of an audience, I will require the aid of other 'Heathens'. I have seen live solo acts with some disastrous consequences & I do not recommend it to anyone playing metal. Besides drum programming can only be entertaining to a certain point.

7. Currently you are unsigned are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your music?

I have not looked for one as yet & these days a band can do quite a lot without one. However there are some great labels with awesome bands out there that I will look into.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and war metal?

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Faster, harsher, blacker.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

After all these years, the early 90's Scandinavian metal bands still do it for me. Of course there are the 80's black/thrash classics & gems which have an influence on AK-11 as well. Also in my collection you will find a variety of different 'dark music' genres :Neo-folk, Industrial, Punk/Gothic, Electronic. Growing up we always had plenty of Classical music in the house & I have been into metal since forever. But it was not until I discovered the second wave of Black Metal that I was truly 'possessed' by music.

11. How would you describe your views on Paganism, Occultism and Satanism?

For me personally the Satanic/Occult philosophy means rebellion against religious authority & the deluded, brain-washed society / superficial world in which we live in. It can be very empowering psychologically (if not spiritually) if used in the right way.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Doing some fitness training in the morning & then having a good time with all forms of alcohol in the evening.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

'Legendary, Demonic & Invincible' is AK-11's first release. So for those that like their metal black, written under the influence of vodka & inspired by Siberia's frozen wastelands, Tundra wolves & blood soaked battles, can download the demo for free athttp://ak-11.blogspot.com/

Friday, May 25, 2012

Plageundgraves are a band from Greece that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal mixed in with some influences from death metal and crust punk and this is a review of their 2012 album "Sclerosis" which was released by Domestic Genocide.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, and there is no bass guitar present on this recording with the music going for more of the guitars, drums and vocals approach.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding while the more raw parts have crust punk influences and the melodic parts utilize some death metal with somewhat of a more modern technical edge which is only used rarely and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched hateful black metal vocals that have a crust/punk attitude to them in addition there are some quest vocals from some of the more well known members of the Greek black metal scene, while the lyrics cover hateful themes which are alot different than what most black metal bands cover, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound with the songs being somewhat short.

In my opinion Plaguendgraves are a very great and original sounding raw and primitive black metal band with a death metal and crust punk edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Prejudice" "Compulsion" and "Remnants Of A Ruined Life". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Sacrament Ov Impurity are a band from Mount Vernon, Washington that plays a very raw and primitive form of occult black metal and this is a review of their self released live 2012 demo.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times you can hear the instrument.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with some melodic parts being thrown into the riffing as well as a brief use of clean playing in addition there is one song that has a doom metal feeling to it as well as a mixture of short and long songs and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with a small amount of deep growls, while the lyrics cover Cosmos, Esoteric, and Occultism, as for the production on this recording it is all recorded live and has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Sacrament Ov Impurity are a very great sounding raw and primitive occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Cosmic Flame" and "Crimson Eye". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Ninnagesh are a band from Columbia that has had their previous album reviewed as well as being interviewed before by this zine with this release they had more of an atmospheric, raw, primitive and melodic approach to their satanic/occult black metal and this is a review of their 2008 album "Oculta" which was released by Blackhaertz Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the synths which are utilized a good amount throughout this recording bring a very dark and atmospheric sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very melodic, raw and primitive sounding with some traditional metal influences being thrown into the riffing, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding guitar solos and leads that utilize a great amount of skill and talent, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking to add more variety to the music.

Vocals a re all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover Dark, Satanic, and Occult themes, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion this was another great recording from Ninnagesh and if you are a fan of atmospheric, melodic, raw and primitive occult/satanic black metal, you should check this album out. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Unholy Liberation" "Decadence Force" and "Bergtrollets Hen". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Ninnagesh are a band from Columbia that has been interviewed before by this zine with a musical style I would describe as being raw, primitive, heavy and brutal satanic/occult black metal with a melodic, atmospheric and thrash edge and this is a review of their 2010 album "Absoluta" which was released by Blackhaertz Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the synths which are utilized a good amount throughout the recording bring a very dark sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound with riffs that dominate throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that utilize some dark sounding melodies as well as some influences from thrash and traditional while still having raw, primitive, and heavy elements in the riffing as well as a mixture of short and long songs that utilize a great amount of variety, while the lead guitars are melodic sounding guitar solos and leads that utilize a great amount of skill and talent, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to give the music a progressive feeling.

Vocals are mostly pitched black metal screams that utilize a depressive edge at times as well as some deep growls as well as some clean singing raspy power metal vocals being used on the hidden track which is a cover of Queensyrche's Walk In The Shadows, while the lyrics cover Dark, Occult, and Satanic themes, as for the production it has a very strong and powerful sound where you can still h ear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording without taking away from the raw and primitive nature of the music.

In my opinion Ninnagesh are a very great sounding atmospheric satanic/occult black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Master of The Worlds" "Beyond The Threshold And Death" and "Thy Ritual Eternally". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Monday, May 21, 2012

AK-11 are a 1 man band from Australia that plays a very melodic, raw and primitive from of black/war metal and this is a review of their self released 2011 demo "Legendary,Demonic, And Invisible ".

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful sound with primitive riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast riffs that combine influences from pagan, war and black metal with alot of melodic, raw and primitive riffing in addition you can hear small amounts of death and thrash metal influences on certain songs, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding black metal guitar leads.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep war metal growls being thrown into the music at times as well as some samples, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of Russian and English and cover Russian Folklore, War and Satanic themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion AK-11 are a very great sounding melodic, raw and primitive hybrid of black and war metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Legendary, Demonic, And Invisible" and "Sniper Glory (Satan Guides My Aim)". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Varulv was founded in 2006 by Inferius, Grimnyr & Hel which have played together before already in the Death/Black Metal Band Impurity.

Namely with the aim, clean right Old School Black Metal to play which was not possible with Impurity.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Hmm, a mixture of Taake, old Darkthrone, Behexen and what the melodies concerns, a little bit of Windir influences.

all that gives our own sound, just Varulv ;)

3.I have recently read a review of one of your albums and while it was a good review they seemed to compare you mostly to Norwegian bands but when I heard the music I felt it was more raw and primitive than most bands from that country, what is your opinion on such comparisons?

I believe which we of Norwegian Bands were already affected, because we´re listening this kind of music also privately.

Which concerns the raw, primitive, Varulv was created exactly for this reason to play evenly in order raw and origin corpses Black Metal.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

A majority of the texts is purely satanic, whereby a part goes also into the Heidni range.

The a few old and coming texts is concerned also with the who wolf topic, Varulv means whowolf.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

After we decided to base a new Band, we were searching for a suitable name for a long time.

By accident I am discovered in the Internet a HP, which called itself Varulv medal

First I wanted to call the Band in such a way, but the others did not want that that way, therefore we agreed on a compromise, Varulv.

And there us the who wolf topic always interested, was perfect the names for our Band..

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Our best Gig up to now was without a doubt an appearance with Black Witchery and Archgoat in the port in Innsbruck. (AUT)

In addition, our appearance at the Kaltenbach Open Air 2010, with Asphyx, Dark Funeral etc., was not so badly

if our stage achievement was in the past, due to some LINE UP change, once very good, then again rather badly, as said was to the LINE UP changes, and because of the drug problems of former members…

7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

A Tour does not line up to time, but we planned, among other things some appearances in Austria and Germany for 2012 and at the beginning of already of 2013 with the Castle invasion 2012 with Destruction & Nargaroth…

8. Recently you have had a split album released, what is your opinion on the other bands that participated?

I think the Split album is generally very successful, all three of volume fit perfectly, I think we play in for instance the same music direction and on the same level. Thus perfect a feed for the album!

I estimate both Bands much, whereby Nightforest are neighbours of us

9. Currently you are signed to Naturmacht, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you compare it to the other labels that you have worked with in the past?

First we were under contract with Bloodred Horizon Records, but for financial reasons the Release was retarded again and again by our first album, Hellish Presence.

I had the lip full and have the contract quit, fortunately ran sometime without problems over the stage.

Afterwards we wrote various labels down, demos sent away etc.

Robert von Naturmacht was inspired of our album, after short negotiations was we then already under contract and co-operation runs there to date positively, our next album appears maybe in the middle of 2013 also over nature power records.

10. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

Up to now surprisingly well, I personally still no bad criticism heard or read.

Is perhaps also because of which we have all together already a longer musical past.

11. What is going on with the other band projects these days?

Our members play still in various other Black Metal Bands, like Sanguis, Hellsaw, Asmodeus, Ketelens´Brukke, I personally played 15 years in the Death - Black Metal Band Impurity before Varulv, but to time I´m concentrated 100% to on Varulv.

12. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

It will give none largespecies-characteristically to innovations, we try our thing through to pull to mix raw/primitive Black Metal with melody eyes guitars naturally we try not to repeat itself, what succeeded to us up to now well.

13. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Old Darkthrone surely of Bands such as Burzum or Taake affected us, old School Black Metal and melody eye of Windir, so a mixture we always wanted make, and I hope it also succeeded us!? :)

14. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

...

15. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Puh, I am gladly in the nature, from which it gives plentifully at us…

Furthermore I go to other beer gladly on concerts and festivals, am not averse from that or…

In addition I am inspired gentleman of the rings on-line players.

And generally a RPG fan of the first hour… I legend only “Dungeon master” hehe

16. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

I thank you for the interview! And I would be pleased if the readers of this interview about us to become curious and our future Gigs would visit, which would buy or others our CD's… etc. ;)

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Mortis Mutilati are a 1 man band from France that plays a very dark and depressive form of black metal and this is a review of their 2012 cassette "Sombre Neurasthenie" which was released by Naturmacht Productions.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with some fast playing and semi blast beats being used at times, while the synths bring a very dark, atmospheric and ambient sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast depressive black metal riffs that utilize some dark sounding melodies in addition the songs are very long and epic in length along with a doom metal feeling at times, while the lead guitars are very primitive and melodic sounding depressive black metal guitar leads, as for the acoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music with a progressive rock feeling.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of clean singing female vocals and some spoken word parts, while the lyrics are written in French and cover dark, depressive and suicidal themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Mortis Mutilati are a very great sounding depressive black metal band that is not a carbon copy of other bands from this genre and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Concession Perpetuelle" and "Taphophilia". RECOMMENDED BUY.